Life after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery | Mental, Emotional & Practical Heart Health Wellness
Sallie Crawley is a heart attack survivor, cardiac coach and therapist. She specialises in holistic heart health and helping survivors and their families navigate the "emotional and mental rehab" that follows a life-changing cardiac event. This show delivers actionable strategies regarding heart health wellness, rebuilding your confidence, managing health anxiety, and implementing practical wellness tools for life after your event or diagnosis. If you are looking for emotional support and expert mindset tips from someone who has walked the path of a heart patient, you are in the right place. This podcast provides valuable insights for heart attack survivors, heart su...
073 Relax - I Am At Peace with My New Reality after a Cardiac Event
Do you find yourself wishing that life could go back to exactly how it was before your heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest or diagnosis?
Perhaps you miss your old confidence, your independence, your energy or the freedom to make plans without thinking about your heart.
You may feel as though your life has become smaller.
You may be comparing everything you can do now with what you could do before.
And you may be wondering whether accepting your new reality means giving up.
It does not.
Acceptance does...
072 The Lost Hours - Why Your Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Story Matters
After heart surgery, a cardiac arrest, or another major cardiac event, many people discover there are gaps in their memory. Some remember vivid dreams or nightmares. Others remember very little at all.
In this episode, we're exploring the powerful role an ICU diary can play in recovery.
You'll learn why memory gaps happen, how they can affect emotional wellbeing, and how a simple diary kept by loved ones can help patients make sense of their experience long after they've left intensive care.
We'll also talk about cognitive fog, "pumphead," and why recovery isn't just...
071 Cardiac Chat with Immy Reid - Heart Failure, Trauma and Hope
Immy Reid shares her extraordinary journey through complex health challenges, heart failure, cancer treatment, cardiac arrests, trauma, and the long emotional recovery that follows.
Immy shares openly about living with high blood pressure from a young age, being diagnosed with heart failure, going through cancer treatment, experiencing severe complications, and later surviving three cardiac arrests. She also talks about being placed on end-of-life care, the impact this had on her family, and the medical intervention that helped turn things around.
This is a powerful, honest and emotional conversation about what can happen when the body...
070 Most Powerful Tool for Healing After a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our physical and emotional wellbeing, yet it is often one of the first things to suffer after a heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest, or diagnosis of heart disease.
In this episode, I explore why sleep matters so much for recovery, the connection between sleep and heart health, and why anxiety often seems to worsen at bedtime.
You'll discover:
• Why sleep is essential for healing your heart and body
• The different stages of sleep and how they support recovery
• Why an...
069 Cardiac Chat with Andrew Pike - Pumphead & Open Heart Surgery, the Recovery No One Talks About
Sallie Crawley talks with filmmaker Andrew Pike about his experience of open-heart surgery, the emotional and cognitive aftermath that followed, and the making of his film Pumphead.
Andrew’s surgery was physically successful, but once he returned home, he began to experience confusion, disorientation, difficulty connecting with others, and a frightening sense that something was very wrong. Despite being told that his heart was doing well, Andrew knew that emotionally and mentally, he was not okay.
This conversation explores the gap that can exist between physical recovery and emotional recovery after heart surgery. Andrew shares wh...
068 Is It Normal to Feel Like This After a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery?
Is it normal to feel anxious, frightened, angry, overwhelmed, or emotional after a heart attack, heart surgery, or another cardiac event?
The answer is yes.
In this episode, we're talking about the emotional impact of cardiac recovery and why so many people struggle with feelings that nobody warned them about.
You'll learn about the difference between the common "cardiac blues" and symptoms of trauma, including anxiety, panic, sleeplessness, avoidance, flashbacks, irritability, and fear. We'll also explore practical ways to support yourself during recovery and when it's important to seek professional help.
067 Relax - I Am Allowed to Cry for Emotional Healing After a Cardiac Event
Have you found yourself crying unexpectedly since your heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest or cardiac diagnosis?
Perhaps the tears arrive when someone asks how you are, when a hospital letter comes through the door, when you look at your scar or when you realise how much your life has changed.
You may even feel that you should be grateful, positive or simply pleased to be alive.
But gratitude does not cancel out grief.
You can feel fortunate to have survived and still feel sad about what happened.Â
You c...
066 Understanding "Pumphead" and the Heart-Brain Connection after Heart Surgery
The Rhythm of Recovery: Why You Feel "Disconnected" After Surgery.Â
Have you had heart surgery, only to find that while your "plumbing" is mended, your mind feels like it’s still buffering? You’re not alone. Many survivors experience "Pumphead" (Post-Perfusion Syndrome), that strange sense of brain fog, anxiety, or detachment that hits after cardiopulmonary bypass.
In this episode, we’re looking at the medical side of PPS, but we’re also exploring a fascinating, holistic perspective: the "Magnetic Field Theory." We’ll discuss how the heart and brain work as a unified electromagnetic system and why a t...
065 Reiki for the Heart - A Gentle Journey to Heal after a Cardiac Event
After a heart event, the emotional storm can be just as taxing as the physical recovery. In this episode, we explore how Reiki, a Japanese energy healing practice, can act as a gentle lifeline to help you reclaim your calm.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Emotional Aftermath: Dealing with the fear and "body betrayal" that often follows a heart attack.What is Reiki? A simple breakdown of how this non-invasive, complementary therapy works.The Benefits for "Hearties": From lower blood pressure to better sleep and...064 Loss of Taste after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Have your favourite foods started tasting strange after a heart attack or heart surgery?
In this episode, we’re talking about something that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough - changes in taste after a cardiac event.
If coffee suddenly tastes disgusting…If chocolate no longer hits the spot…If everything feels metallic, bland or just “off”…You are not imagining it and you are not alone. In this episode, I share:
Why taste changes can happen after heart surgery or a heart attackThe role of nerves, blood flow and medicationWhether it’s temporary or p...063 Preparing for Heart Surgery - Before, During & After
Are you waiting for heart surgery and feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure what to expect? In this episode, I guide you through every stage of preparation – physically, mentally, and practically – so you can enter surgery feeling empowered, supported, and ready for recovery.
We cover:
How to prepare your body for surgery with nutrition, exercise, and medication tips.Ways to reduce stress and anxiety leading up to your operation.Practical advice on what to pack for the hospital and how to organise your home for recovery.Tips for accep...062 How to Overcome the Fear of Dying after a Cardiac Event
After a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or open heart surgery, something shifts.Â
Even when your body is healing, your mind can feel on constant alert. Every twinge feels suspicious. Every flutter feels dangerous. And beneath it all … there can be a quiet, persistent fear:
“What if it happens again?”
“What if I die?”
In this episode, I’m talking openly about the nagging fear of death that so many people experience after a cardiac event, even years later.
We explore:
Why this fear is completely normal after traumaWhy hypervigilance happens (and ho...061 Relax - Every Day I Expect Magic to Happen in My Life
Today, we explore the powerful intersection of brain science and belief. We dive into the Reticular Activating System (RAS) - the brain’s gatekeeper - and how it filters the world based on what you focus on. By consciously expecting "magic," you program your unconscious mind to find evidence of beauty, opportunity, and joy that you might otherwise miss.
Highlights:
The RAS Factor: Understanding how your brainstem regulates focus and alertness.The Cocktail Party Effect: Why you hear your name in a crowd and how to use that sa...060 A Heart-Led Membership Club for Cardiac Recovery
Heart disease isn’t just a physical journey - it’s emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual. In this episode, I’m opening my heart to share something new I’ve been creating: a membership club designed for people living with heart disease or recovering from a cardiac event.
I talk honestly about the emotional reality of heart disease, the fear, anxiety, grief, and overwhelm that come with it and why I felt compelled to create a space that supports your whole-person recovery.
Inside this heart-led membership, you’ll find live learning sessions, interactive community meetings, guided Rel...
059 Frank’s Crease - Your Earlobe’s Secret Heart Clue or Just Skin Deep?
Have you ever noticed a diagonal crease on your earlobe and wondered if it means something serious?
In this episode, we explore Frank’s Crease (also known as Frank’s Sign), the line across the earlobe that some researchers have linked to heart disease.
If you’re living with or beyond a heart attack, cardiac surgery, heart failure or a diagnosis that changed everything, it’s so easy for small things to trigger big anxiety. So today, we gently unpack:
• What Frank’s Crease actually is
 • What the research really says (and doesn’t say)
058 Embracing the Both/And Mindset for Heart Health Recovery
Have you ever felt grateful to be alive… and deeply anxious at the same time?
Relieved your surgery is over… and frustrated that recovery feels slow?
Motivated to change your lifestyle… and grieving your old one?
If so, you are not doing recovery wrong.
In this episode, we explore the powerful mindset shift of Both/And thinking — a compassionate way of allowing two truths to exist at the same time without judgment.
After a cardiac event, many people fall into “either/or” thinking:
I’m coping or I’m not.I’m...057 Travelling Abroad with a Heart Condition, after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Can You Really Go on Holiday After a Heart Attack or Surgery? Here’s How to Travel Without Worry
Planning a holiday after a heart attack, heart surgery, or living with heart disease can feel overwhelming.
Should you fly?
 Is hot weather dangerous? What about travel insurance? What if something happens while you’re away?In this episode, I gently walk you through how to travel safely and confidently after a cardiac event, covering the practical steps and the emotional preparation too.
We’ll talk about:
When it’s safe to t...056 Cardiac Podcast Rename with a Chance to Win a Heart Recovery Book
 The hospital fixed your heart, but who is helping you heal your mind?Â
After 55 episodes of navigating the emotional, mental, and practical side of heart recovery together, I have some big news to share. As we look toward the future of this community, I want to make sure our "signpost"—the name and look of this show—is as clear and welcoming as possible for the person who needs it most.Â
In this episode, I’m announcing a major rebrand and I want YOU to help me choose our new name. Plus, I’m...
055 Relax - I Adapt and Adjust to What Is
A relaxamation to help you adapt to life’s changes after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. I will guide you through a gentle journey of relaxation and with the affirmation “I adapt and adjust to what is.” You'll learn how to reduce resistance, find emotional flexibility, and rebuild confidence.Â
What You’ll Experience:
Progressive body relaxationA quiet the mindThe affirmation “I adapt and adjust to what is”Emotional groundingRenewed confidence in your ability to adaptSelf-Reflection Journalling Prompts:
How can I change my attitude toward “adjust” and “adapt”?What 3 things...054 Journey to End-of-Life Peace: Planning with Love, Purpose & Kindness
End-of-life planning doesn’t have to be scary. In this episode, Sallie Crawley gently guides you through how to plan your care, medical wishes, and farewell in a way that brings clarity, comfort, and peace for both you and your loved ones.
Through heartfelt personal stories, practical advice, and compassionate guidance, Sallie shows how even small decisions—from choosing music for a ceremony to writing a will can transform fear into reassurance, grief into meaningful remembrance, and uncertainty into calm.
Whether you’re caring for a loved one, reflecting on your own wishes, or just curiou...
053 GTN & Vasodilators - Managing Angina Effectively
In this episode, I will explain what vasodilators are, the difference between short-acting and long-acting nitrates, and how to use GTN spray and tablets safely. Learn about common side effects, emergency tips, and practical advice for living confidently with angina.
Key Points Covered:
How vasodilators work to improve blood flow and reduce heart workloadShort-acting vs long-acting nitratesStep-by-step instructions for GTN tablets and sprayWhat to do in an angina emergencyCommon side effects and how to manage themResources:
Get Your FREE...
052 Why Saying THE Heart Attack vs MY Heart Attack Matters
Reclaiming Your Life Story: Why “A Heart Attack” or “The Heart Attack” Matters More Than “My Heart Attack”.Â
The words we use to describe a health event can influence how we cope, heal, and view ourselves. In this episode, I explore why saying “a heart attack” or “the heart attack” instead of “my heart attack” can empower recovery, reduce fear, and help you reclaim your story. You’ll learn practical tips for shifting language, distancing yourself from illness labels, and building emotional resilience.
Key Takeaways:
Lan...051 Relax - I Trust Myself to find Moderation
I will guide you through a relaxamation session that supports balanced living and moderation during the festive season. Using gentle relaxation, body awareness, and the affirmation “I trust myself to find balance and moderation”, this session helps people living with cardiac conditions enjoy celebrations with confidence and calm.
Not sure what a Relaxamation is?
You can find more information here: Episode 22 called Relaxamations Explained - The Big Calm & The Feel-Good Factor
Who It’s For:
Anyone recovering from heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrest, heart attack, or surger...
050 Quitting Smoking - The Voice That Says You Can’t
Today, I explore the hidden psychology behind why it can be so difficult to quit smoking after a cardiac event, especially when you’ve tried before. Discover how your brain’s limbic system tricks you into believing you can’t cope without nicotine, and how to rewire that inner dialogue using calm, compassionate, and evidence-based tools.Â
What You’ll Learn:Â
The real reason your brain resists quitting - and it’s not lack of willpowerHow to spot the “limbic lies” that tell you you’ll die or lose yourself without nicotinePractical ways to respond to cravings with c...049 Love, Intimacy & Sex after a Heart Attack or Surgery
Intimacy, love, and sexual connection can feel complicated after a heart attack, cardiac arrest or surgery but they are a vital part of your recovery and emotional wellbeing. In this episode, Sallie Crawley walks you through the challenges, practical strategies, and gentle steps to help you reconnect with your partner and with yourself.
You’ll learn:
Common sexual and intimacy challenges after heart surgery or a heart attackWhy these challenges happen, from medications to emotional stressHow to safely restart sexual activity with your doctor’s guidanceWays to feel close to your partner without sexStrategies to rebuild conf...048 Ejection Fraction (EF) – Understanding Your Heart’s Strength
Understanding your ejection fraction (EF) can feel confusing, especially after a heart attack, heart surgery, or when living with heart disease. In this episode I break down EF in simple, relatable terms and explains why it matters for your heart health.
You’ll learn:
What ejection fraction is and what the numbers meanWhy EF matters for your energy, oxygen flow, and overall wellbeingHow EF is measured and what to ask your doctorPractical steps to support your heart, including diet, exercise, and stress managementA gentle, actionable “Heart-Pump Boost” activity to help you fee...047 Can you have a Happy Brain after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Discover how to boost your happiness and improve your heart health after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explain how stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline impact your recovery, and how “happy hormones” - dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins - can help you feel joyful, motivated, and connected. Learn practical tips for regulating these hormones and reclaiming your life after heart surgery or a heart attack.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding stress vs. happy hormonesHow cortisol and adrenaline affect your recoveryPractical ways to increase dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins Daily habits to support mental and heart...046 Alcohol and Your Heart: Finding Balance After a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Many people worry about whether alcohol is off-limits after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explore the effects of alcohol on the heart, the truth about moderation, and practical strategies to enjoy life safely.Â
Learn:
How alcohol affects heart health and medicationsWhat moderation really looks likePractical tips for reducing intake without feeling deprivedBenefits of mindful drinking and reducing alcohol for heart recovery
Resources & References:
045 Self Care After a Cardiac Event isn't Selfish
Me, Myself, and I, today I tackle the myth that self-care is selfish and learn why it's actually an essential practice for our well-being after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. I use the powerful analogy of the airplane oxygen mask to understand why we must take care of ourselves first before we can effectively help others.
I also dive into the transformative power of mindset, sharing a personal journey from self-criticism to self-love. Learn how changing your thoughts can lead to lasting changes in your habits and overall happiness when living with heart disease.
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044 Relax - I Have the Right to Be Happy
In today’s guided Relaxamation, I invite you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the truth that happiness is your right and not a reward or something you have to earn. Whether you’re recovering from a heart attack, adjusting to life with heart failure, or living with any form of heart disease, this is your time to remember: you can feel joy, peace, and calm—even in the midst of uncertainty.
You’ll be gently guided through a soothing body relaxation, followed by a powerful repetition of the affirmation: “I have the right to be happy.”...
042 A Self-Soothing Toolbox for your Heart & Mind Health
Today, we're talking about A powerful tool to help you manage those overwhelming moments of worry, stress, and anxiety that can often accompany a cardiac event: creating your very own Self-Soothing Toolbox.
Sallie shares why this "emergency kit" for your emotions is so much more than just a coping mechanism – it's a proactive step towards improving your mental and physical health. She explains how to create your personalised box, from decorating your chosen container to filling it with items that ground your thoughts, trigger positive memories, and gently pull you back into the present moment.
...043 Coming Home: What the Early Months After a Heart Attack Really Feel Like
What are the early months after a heart attack really like?" It's a question that brings back memories of my own uncertainty after leaving the hospital, stepping back into a life that suddenly felt unfamiliar. I just didn't have a clue what to expect!
In this episode, I'll explore what those first few days, weeks, and months can bring, both physically and emotionally, and share how you can navigate them with strength and hope.
Important Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional. This episode shares my personal experience as a heart attack survivor and...
041 From Trauma to Triumph – Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth After a Heart Event
Today, I'm diving deep into a topic I touched on previously in episode 035, about "Can trauma and PTSD be caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or open-heart surgery." This time, I want to share how even after a traumatic event, feeling good is not only possible but something you're absolutely allowed to do. I'm talking about moving From Trauma to Triumph: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) versus something truly transformative – Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).
In this episode, I'll share:
My personal perspective on the reality of post-traumatic stress after a heart event and why seeking help is cr...040 Beat the Heat and Stay Heart-Healthy
Summer can bring unique challenges for those with cardiac conditions. This episode provides actionable advice on staying cool, hydrated, and recognising the signs of heat-related stress, all tailored to help you protect your heart. Sallie shares her expertise and personal insights, guiding you through crucial precautions and lifestyle adjustments that can make a significant difference during hot spells.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the risks of heat on cardiac health.Practical tips for staying cool and hydrated.Identifying and responding to heat-related symptoms.Adjusting your routine to minimise heat exposure.Empowering strategies for continued heart-healthy living...039 Mindset and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Is There a Connection?
I challenge the notion that "you can't think yourself better" after a life-altering cardiac event. While it's crucial to acknowledge the trauma and negative emotions, we delve into the powerful connection between your mindset and your cardiac recovery.
We explore:
The Nuance of Positive Thinking: It's not about being relentlessly positive, but understanding how your thoughts influence your feelings, actions, and behaviours.The Thought-Action Link: How a negative thought can derail your plans (like a rainy day stopping a walk) and how a shift in perspective can lead to positive actions.Changing Your Mindset...038 Relax - I Cope With Uncertainty (20 minutes)
Today I’ve been thinking about how much energy we spend trying to predict, control or prepare for every possible outcome in life… especially when we’re living with a health condition.
It’s completely natural, we want certainty because it feels safe. And when your body isn’t behaving predictably, or when your health is uncertain, it’s easy to feel like the ground beneath you is shifting. Even the smallest decisions can feel overwhelming. Will I feel well enough today? What will the test results say? How do I plan when I don’t know how I’ll feel...
037 An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
A cardiac event, whether a heart attack or surgery, doesn't just impact your physical health; it can dramatically affect your emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore the emotional roller coaster ride that often follows, akin to the stages of grief.Â
We discuss:
Grief Beyond Loss: How losing your "old life" after a cardiac event is a valid form of grief.The Change Curve: A model based on Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's stages of grief, adapted to the cardiac recovery journey.We'll look at stages like:Â
Shock & Denial: The initial disbelief and fe...036 Introducing Healthy Hearts & Happy Minds!
Join me for an exciting announcement! My Facebook page, formerly known as "Heart Attack, Heart Surgery & Heart Disease Survivors Support Group," is officially rebranding to Healthy Hearts & Happy Minds! 🎉Â
This new name truly reflects my mission: to support and empower individuals living with or recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or cardiac diagnosis on their journey to a healthier and happier life.
In this episode, I'll explore what this rebrand means for our community and introduce my three dedicated Facebook groups designed to offer even more tailored support:
My Heart & Mind: Our...035 Can PTSD be caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest or open-heart surgery?
I confront the reality of trauma and PTSD following cardiac events like heart attacks, cardiac arrest, or open-heart surgery. It's a question many ask, and the answer is a definitive yes. I discuss:
The Reality of Trauma: How life-changing cardiac events can make your own body feel unsafe, and why these feelings are normal.What is PTSD? Understanding symptoms like re-living events, heightened anxiety (hyperarousal), rage, guilt, vivid nightmares, and avoidance behaviours.Recognising Triggers: How your brain's protective mechanisms can lead to anxiety around hospitals, medications, or even physical sensations.The Impact on Recovery: How untreated trauma and...034 Pumphead, Is That a Thing? (Post-Perfusion Syndrome)
I dive into "Pumphead," or Post-Perfusion Syndrome, the post-operative brain fog many experience after heart bypass surgery. We'll cover:
What is Pumphead? Common symptoms like brain fog, confusion, and dizziness.Why does it occur? Theories involving the perfusion machine and heart handling.Recognising Symptoms: How to identify signs like imbalance, difficulty problem-solving, or mood changes.Treatment & Recovery: Exploring medical approaches, cognitive exercises, social interaction, and lifestyle tips for improvement.Time as a Healer: Understanding that full recovery often happens within 3-12 months.If you're dealing with cognitive changes post-surgery, this episode offers vital insights and encourages seeking...
